Hi. I've been playing doubles for 1 1/2 years. I'm looking for a better way to handle shots that land in the farther half of the court (away from the net) that I have to bend low and reach for, especially on my backhand. These occur when opponents return serves with half-court drives to the alley or after some rally where I need to move side to side. I've tried straight and cross-court drops, but opponents anticipate these after a while and adopt a front-back attacking position. This then puts pressure on me to hit more precise drops. I've also tried attacking clears but I have difficulty consistently getting depth from the backhand side. Look foward to your suggestions. Thanks.
If the shuttle is low in your midcourt, then you don't really have any options. You must lift it to the back. If the shuttle is a little higher (near net height), you can attempt a straight drive or push to the midcourt. That's why these returns of service - push to the midcourt alley - are such difficult shots to return: you are pretty much forced to lift.
You could tell your partner in front to try to cut it off by standing farther behind the service line, or start closer behind your partner to turn it in to a push or drive.
As usual .. the answer is practice, practice, practice. Develope a stronger backhand. usually I try to clear it to either box (right box for my forehand, left box for my backhand) or the back T. Just make sure you get enough depth. If you can develope faster reflexes, so much the better, you can take drive earlier and drive it back. regards
Don't worry about it too much... just keep practicing your footworks and drives. The reason you're taking the shuttle late is because you haven't had the experience to anticipate the shot. After playing for awhile, you'll automatically take the shuttle much sooner because you'll be more conditioned to taking those kinds of shots, thus allowing more shot options for the return. You have only been in the sport briefly, give yourself a break and keep at it. Solutions will appear when the timing is right. Of course, getting coached and drilled will accelerate your development. But if you're playing recreationally, you have to accept growth at a more gradual rate.
Thanks guys. I think I'll try HelloO's suggestion of standing closer to my partner when he serves to cut off the returns sooner. Of course, more practice and better fitness will help me meet the shuttle sooner during rallies. Reckon a reliable clear from that position is a must, perhaps with a drop away from the net man thrown in occassionally. Cappy's right in that I shouldn't worry too much; after all, I took up the sport recreationally to have fun! This is a great forum. Thanks again.
Hahah I do that all the time and it always gets them on doubles they think the other person would go behind them and get it
